If you’re looking for a showstopping, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Fruit Pizza Recipe is truly a treat. Imagine a buttery sugar cookie crust layered with dreamy cream cheese frosting, then artfully topped with glistening rings of colorful fresh fruit. Not only is this dessert gorgeous enough for celebrations, but it’s so delightfully refreshing, perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet. It’s a summertime favorite in our home, but honestly, we find excuses to serve it year-round. If you’ve never tried this Fruit Pizza Recipe, you simply must — it’s a classic for a reason, and once you make it, you’ll want to add your own creative spin again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fruit Pizza Recipe shines with just a handful of accessible ingredients that each bring something essential to the table. From the golden cookie base to the jewel-like fruit, every component adds flavor, color, and that extra bite of happiness.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz): Quick, foolproof, and creates a soft but sturdy crust that’s the heart of your pizza.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The magic behind the tangy, rich frosting that pairs so beautifully with sweet fruit.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right without overpowering other flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds irresistible aroma and warm flavor depth to the creamy layer.
- Assorted fresh fruit (2 cups): Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes, and raspberries are just a few options to make the top burst with color and vitamins.
- Apricot jam or orange marmalade (1/4 cup, optional): When gently warmed and brushed on, this makes your fruit glisten like gems while hinting at extra sweetness.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan, then press the sugar cookie dough evenly across the pan to form a thick, even base. Don’t worry if it seems thin; the dough will puff up as it bakes. Bake your crust for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it’s just turning golden with slightly crisped edges. Set it aside and let it cool completely — this helps the cream cheese layer set up without melting.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is velvety-smooth and creamy. You want everything perfectly blended without any lumps, so take your time. This tangy-sweet layer will act as the “sauce” for your Fruit Pizza Recipe, balancing the sweet crust and juicy fruit.
Step 3: Spread the Creamy Mixture
Once your cookie crust is cooled, gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, right to the edges. If you like a thicker layer, pile it a little higher in the center, but be sure every bite gets its share of the creamy goodness!
Step 4: Arrange the Fresh Fruit
Here’s where your inner artist shines. Slice your fruit as needed, then arrange it over the cream cheese layer. Circles, spirals, stripes — you can go as traditional or creative as you like! Mixing colors and shapes makes the Fruit Pizza Recipe look extra festive, and everyone loves picking their favorite fruit with each slice.
Step 5: Glaze for Finishing Touch (Optional)
If you want that glossy, bakery-fresh look, warm the apricot jam or orange marmalade just to loosen it up, then lightly brush it over the fruit. This step is totally optional, but it really does boost the wow factor and helps keep the fruit looking fresh longer.
Step 6: Chill, Slice, and Serve
Pop your assembled Fruit Pizza Recipe into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the layers set and makes slicing neat and easy. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and watch the slices disappear quickly!
How to Serve Fruit Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
This dessert already looks spectacular, but a few extra touches can make it pop even more. Try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, sprinkle on some finely chopped mint for a fresh aroma, or scatter a handful of toasted coconut if you want subtle crunch. A drizzle of honey over the fruit can add a beautiful finish, too.
Side Dishes
Fruit Pizza Recipe is delightful all on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a party spread, consider pairing it with a bowl of lemon sorbet or a light fruit salad. For birthday parties or brunches, set out miniature parfait cups or a medley of light cheeses. They complement the pizza’s sweet-tangy profile without overshadowing it.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun with the shape! You can make mini individual fruit pizzas using sugar cookies as bases, perfect for parties or kids’ gatherings. Another idea: slice your pizza into squares instead of triangles for tapas-style finger food. For a special twist, use cookie cutters to press out hearts, stars, or flowers from the crust before baking — your Fruit Pizza Recipe becomes an edible work of art!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any slices left (which is rare!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Fruit Pizza Recipe will stay fresh for up to 2 days. After that, the fruit may start to release juices, softening the crust a bit.
Freezing
While the sugar cookie crust and cream cheese layer can freeze well individually, it’s best not to freeze the assembled pizza with fruit on top. The texture of fresh fruit can change drastically after freezing, making it less appealing. If you want to prep ahead, freeze unadorned crusts, then thaw and assemble with frosting and fruit on the day you serve.
Reheating
This Fruit Pizza Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat leftovers. If the crust is a tad too firm right from the fridge, let slices sit on the counter for ten minutes. That’ll bring everything back to the perfect soft, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough gives your Fruit Pizza Recipe a lovely, from-scratch feel and lets you control flavor and thickness. Just follow your favorite recipe and press it into the pizza pan as described.
What fruits work best for this dessert?
Berries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes, and even pineapple make excellent, eye-catching toppings. Try to choose fruits that aren’t overly juicy, as too much liquid can make the cookie base soggy.
Can I make the Fruit Pizza Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap in your favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free sugar cookie dough so that everyone can enjoy a slice. The cream cheese layer and most fruits are naturally gluten-free.
How far in advance can I assemble the Fruit Pizza?
For best results, it’s ideal to assemble your Fruit Pizza Recipe just a few hours before serving. Chilling helps everything set, but the fruit is freshest and most vibrant on the first day.
Do I have to use the glaze on top?
The glossy glaze is optional, but it keeps your fruit looking bright longer — especially useful for potlucks or parties. If you’d rather skip it, just arrange your fruit right on top and serve immediately for a rustic look.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how much joy this Fruit Pizza Recipe has brought to our family gatherings, picnics, and celebrations. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious — plus, assembling the fruit is so much fun for any age. Give it a try and don’t be surprised when you start inventing your own favorite versions. Happy baking and happy sharing!
Print
Fruit Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Fruit Pizza Recipe combines a sugar cookie crust with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese and a colorful assortment of fresh fruit, creating a stunning and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping:
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup apricot jam or orange marmalade (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the crust: Press the sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch pizza pan and bake until golden.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth; spread over the cooled crust.
- Add the fruit: Arrange the fresh fruit on top of the cream cheese layer in a decorative pattern.
- Optional glaze: Warm apricot jam and brush over the fruit for a glossy finish.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pizza for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese.
- Avoid using very juicy fruits to prevent a soggy crust.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
